Lift Up America, U of A and Tyson join forces to fight hunger

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., April 27, 2013 - Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas team up with Tyson Foods, Inc. to help bring the gift of food to the area's less fortunate. For the sixth year in a row, more than 60 Razorback student-athletes will be on hand to help unload the food during the donation announcement taking place at the Frank Broyles Athletic Center. Tyson is donating more than 30,000 pounds of food that will be distributed by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to its partner agencies.

Speakers at the press conference include Dave Hannah, founder and chairman of Lift Up America; Tim Yatsko, chairman of the board of NWA Food Bank; Michael Turley, vice president and general manager of government food service for Tyson Foods; and Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics for the University of Arkansas.

"In this critical time of need for so many hungry families, it is encouraging to see these caring organizations come together to lift the human spirit of others," said Eric Hannah, president of Lift Up America.

"It makes sense for our company to donate protein to feed people in need, especially here in northwest Arkansas, where Tyson is based," said John Tyson, chairman of the board for Tyson Foods, Inc. "We also believe in raising hunger awareness because one of the keys to ending hunger in the U.S. is mobilizing more people to join the fight. We encourage people across the nation, including our own team members, to engage with this important social issue, and get involved."
Protein is an excellent source of energy and an important part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, protein is the item that is donated to food banks the least. The chicken donated by Tyson is one of the most concentrated sources of protein-an essential nutrient of life.

"At the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, we provide low-cost food to the hundreds of pantries and agencies that are on the front lines of hunger relief," says Marge Wolf, president and CEO of NWA Food Bank. "Donations of poultry and other high protein foods are especially valuable as they allow us to provide our clients with more healthy, nutritious options."

"We are proud to once again team with Tyson Foods, Lift Up America and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to help feed those in need and raise awareness of hunger issues in our region," says Jeff Long, University of Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics. "Lift Up America continues to be a signature event in our student-athlete development program. With more than 6,500 volunteer hours already this academic year, Razorback student-athletes continue to embrace opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others."